Article

Texans QB Savage suffers concussion; brief return sparks controversy

10 December 2017 21:14

Tom Savage's return to field following a concussion in the Houston Texans' game against the San Francisco 49ers sparked huge controversy on Sunday.

The Texans quarterback was hit by 49ers linebacker Elvis Dumervil on a third-down pass during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Savage's head bounced off the turf and his arms then appeared to seize before he was helped to his feet by an official.

The Texans punted and Savage was quickly evaluated for a concussion on the sideline. When the Texans got the ball back after the 49ers ran six plays, Savage was under center. He threw two incomplete passes as the Texans went three-and-out. Savage was then pulled for good, with a concussion later confirmed, and TJ Yates took over at quarterback.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien is likely to face tough questioning on why Savage was allowed to return so quickly, particularly in a sport where concussion issues have been so much under the spotlight in recent times.